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In the Indie artist world, there’s no question that country/folk star and hall of famer Luanne Hunt has made her mark.

Throughout her illustrious career, the award-winning singer/songwriter has built an impressive list of accomplishments, including scoring numerous No. 1 hits on Independent country music charts around the world.

She is best known for her chart-topping single, “Christmas Without You,” which was recently named by Sweden’s largest daily newspaper, Dagens Nyheter, one of the top 25 Christmas songs of all-time

“Christmas Without You” also landed on two “Best of 2015 Female Country Holiday Songs” lists in the major online U.S. publications, Autostraddle and Truckers News.

“Being on these lists with so many A-listers felt like a real accomplishment,” said Hunt, whose studio musicians have backed everyone from the Righteous Brothers to Kenny Loggins. “It’s a huge challenge to find success in the ‘big leagues’ as an Indie artist, so these honors were quite a validation for all the work I’ve put into my craft.”

Hunt, who was recently inducted into the Independent Superstars Country Music Hall of Fame, has been working hard at making quality music for twenty years. Her efforts paid off big time in 2007 when her CD, “Breaking Through,” produced two hit singles on U.S. and European Charts. The enchanting “Solace in The Wind” reached No. 1 on the European Country Music Association’s chart (Belgium) in July, 2010.

It also peaked at No. 37 on the Indie World Country Chart, which is the largest and oldest independent music chart in the genre.

Additionally, the song landed on the 2009 Grammy ballot in two categories: Best Country Song and Best Female Country Performance.

In 2012, Luanne’s Gospel tunes, “He Was There,” “There Is A Fountain” and “Pine and the Dogwood” landed at the No. 1 spot on Europe’s premier Hotdisc Christian chart. Her song “I Want to Stand Where Jesus Stood,” earned a spot on the 2009 Grammy ballote for “Best Gospel Song.”

Hunt’s most recent chart-topper, “Texas Tears,” has been hailed by fans and critics as one of the best country songs to come along in years.

“The most important aspect of Luanne Hunt’s music is her authenticity,” said Brett David Stewart of the Independent Spotlight Music Blog. “‘Texas Tears’ feels like country music straight out of the heart of America; something sorely lacking in the popular modern avenues of the genre.

“It’s a modern ‘That’s How I Got To Memphis.’ From the lovely harmonies to the excellent production, everything accentuates Hunt’s presence as an interpreter perfectly.”

Hunt began pursuing a professional music career in the mid-1990s. She found immediate success with her critically-acclaimed single “I Don’t Bother Counting,” which was frequently played on the former KIK FM country radio station in Orange County, California and on other stations throughout the Southwest.

Over the years, Hunt’s songs have been played on AM, FM, satellite and Internet stations around the world, including Pandora radio. In addition, she is a three-time Hollywood Songwriting Awards winner.

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QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY:
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Rich has played drums and percussion on 20 #1 singles with sales well over the 20 million mark. As a high-energy live showman, Rich plays sold out shows nightly in amphitheaters, arenas, and stadiums across the world, reaching over 2 million fans per year.

Rich has appeared on the trail of television shows such as The Voice, American Idol, The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show (with Leno, O’Brien, and Fallon), The Today Show,

Conan O’ Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, Good Morning America, Ellen, The CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards, ACA Awards, as well as being prominently featured in 19 music popular music videos. Rich also leads a production team known as ‘NV’ (New Voice Entertainment), which is constantly developing new talents such as Thompson Square, and Parmalee. Together these acts have celebrated 3 #1 hits.

Always looking to help others and make a difference, Rich brings his “CRASH Course For Success” motivational drumming event to drum shops, music stores, high schools, colleges and corporate events across the world. Some of Rich’s clients include Cisco, Johnson and Johnson, Hewlett Packard, Presidio, Hard Rock Café and many others. Rich has presented at The Percussive Arts Society Convention in 2011 and 2013. Rich is an adjunct faculty member at Musician’s Institute in Hollywood and The Drummer’s Collective in New York City.

Rich began playing drums at age 8 and eventually played in the prestigious [1:00] Lab Band at The University of North Texas. Receiving his Master’s Degree in Music Education, Rich now combines his classical training and ‘street smarts’ musicianship to bring his passion filled drumming to the world.

Rich is 2016’s “Country Drummer of The Year” in Modern Drummer Magazine. Rich was voted “Best Country Drummer” and “Clinician” by both Modern Drummer and Drum! Magazines for several years. Rich’s first book, “FUNdamentals of Drumming For Kids ages 5-10” is published by Modern Drummer and is an Amazon bestseller.

Rich is also a columnist for Modern Drummer, Drum!, Rhythm, In Tune and Canadian Musician magazines.

Rich has a signature stick from Promark called “The Rich Redmond Active Grip 595”, a bass drum beater he designed with

DW Drums called “The Black Sheep” and signature collectible drum cases from Humes and Berg. A 5 hour digital educational package will be available soon at www.drumminginthemodernworld.com.

BONUS:
This podcast is brought to you by Audible. I have used Audible for years, and I love audiobooks. Click on the link to get a 30-day free trial, complete with a credit for a free audiobook downloadAudible.com

QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY:
What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

Stefanie Jasmine is not your typical country music singer. She has a background as a mortgage broker and currently runs a real estate investment company. This is a different approach from what most musicians take but it’s one that has given her freedom to make artistic choices that are not based on money. Our interview is full of great advice and tips especially if you’re interested in real estate and having another source of income.

MEET STEFANIE
With powerhouse vocals and a fierce stage presence, Stefanie Jasmine has made a name for herself in the New England country scene.

A New England native, Stefanie knew from a young age that her true passion was music. As part of a close-knit family, Stefanie would often listen to country music with her mom, and grew to love the genre from youth. Stefanie enlisted the help of vocal coaches beginning at the age of 15, and often performed at local fairs and events. After winning multiple vocal competitions, she grew the confidence to pursue her career in music.

In early 2012, she ventured out and started a country cover band, aiming to gain experience and exposure as an entertainer. Whiskey Wild was born- and what a wild ride it was. Whiskey Wild became New England’s most popular country band in just several months after starting up, which is simply unheard of in the music scene. Stefanie has performed at every premiere venue in New England from Loretta’s Last Call (Boston) to Wally’s (Hampton Beach), to Toby Keith’s Bar (Foxboro).

After moving on from Whiskey Wild to pursue her solo project, the crowds continue to come, and the doors continue to open. She has shared the stage with big names in country music such as Lee Brice and Jerrod Neiman.

Stefanie now splits her time between Nashville and New England and continues to record and release music. She regularly tours New England and does occasional shows in Nashville as well. Inspired by artists such as Gretchen Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Wynonna, Stefanie stated: “I love writing music that makes people want to jump up and dance and sing along”.

Her first single was co-written by herself and Erin Murphy-Dunn. “Long Gone” was produced by Paul Rippee who currently tours with Lee Brice. The song gained recognition from New England country radio and various internet radio stations. “Long Gone” is now available wherever you can buy or stream music.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible. I have used Audible for years, and I love audiobooks. Click on the link to get a 30-day free trial, complete with a credit for a free audiobook downloadAudible.com

QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY:
What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.